Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf and its fascinating history
Without doubt, Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf is one of the most beautiful monuments in the entire city. Found between Paseo de Lluís Companys, Paseo de San Juan and San Pedro roundabout, the landmark was originally built as the main entrance to the World Exhibition of 1888 in Barcelona that took place in Citadel Park. Want to know more about this fascinating Barcelona landmark? Read on!
In this post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about one of the Catalan capital’s most famous monuments. And if you’re still looking for things to see and do in Barcelona for your next trip, we can’t recommend a visit to this impressive construction highly enough.
Josep Vilaseca was given the responsibility of designing the monument in typical neomudéjar style, something very fashionable at the time throughout Spain. By using brick, he was able to build the most beautiful and unique monument in the city, which was fully restored in 1989 to give it the famous look we know and love today. At 30 metres tall and 50 metres wide, both Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf and the World Exhibition itself – held between 8 April and 9 December 1888 – put Catalunya firmly on the world’s stage in the 19th century. Unlike other arches symbolising triumph of a military conquest, such as the famous monument in Paris of the same name, Barcelona’s was built to showcase the city’s civil, artistic, architectural and economic development.
Today, besides being one of the main attractions in Barcelona, it continues to serve as the finishing point for several marathons and charity races, as well as a venue for a number of music festivals, including Primavera Sound.
How to get to Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf
There are several ways to get to Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf, both on foot and using public transport. If you prefer to explore the city under your own steam, know that the monument is just 15 minutes from Plaza Catalunya and the Gothic Quarter, so it’s very easy to reach from the city centre on foot.
If, on the other hand, you prefer to use the various public transport options available to tourists in Barcelona, there are a variety of ways to get there. Metro line 1 will take you within a minute’s walk of the Arc de Triomf, just alight at the station of the same name. Otherwise, if you prefer to travel by bus, several lines stop at the monument, including lines 19, 120, D50, H16 and V19, among others.
What’s more, Barcelona’s red line tourist bus also passes the monument, an easy and comfortable way to see the city if you just want to experience the highlights and only have a few days in which to do it. There are also a number of mainline train lines that stop at Arc de Triomf, including the R1, R3 and R4.
Where to stay near Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf?
If you’re looking for a hotel near Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf, keep in mind that all our hotels can be found very close by indeed. The HCC Montblanc, for example, is just 10 minutes’ walk, while the HCC St. Moritz is only 15 minutes away. Take a look at the range of services available at our hotels and don’t forget to book direct and as early as possible for the very best deals.
Now that you know a little more about Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf, all that’s left is to come and see it for yourself in all its grandeur! And don’t be surprised if you’re left charmed by one of the most fascinating corners of the city!
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